When Huascar Sena arrived in the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2017, he was filled with hope, determination and a vision for a better future.

After spending a year in Florida, he relocated to North Carolina, a move that set the stage for a life-changing journey.

Like many newcomers, Sena worked as much as he could to get on his feet and earn a living. At the time, his job as an Uber driver paid the bills and gave him a unique opportunity to learn about his new community, its people and its culture.

The flexible job was good for a while, but he soon realized he wanted a meaningful, long-term opportunity that would allow him to grow and make a difference. That's when he discovered Wake Tech, and the path to a new future working in skilled trades opened.

"I wanted more than just a job," he said. "I wanted a career, something I could build on."

Sena was excited to learn that Wake Tech offered many short-term, bilingual construction and maintenance workforce training courses, which made it easier for him to grasp the material and also improve his English skills.

He started with electrical training, earning certificates in Residential Electrical Wiring and completing the Home Builders Institute's Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training program. From there, he transitioned into HVAC training, where he earned the Environmental Protection Agency 608 Universal Certification and completed a course in heat pump systems.

Sena didn't stop there. He continued his training and enrolled in the Apartment Maintenance Technician program, which led to his CAMT certification from the National Apartment Association Education Institute. Now, he is putting his skills to work every day as a maintenance technician with Greystar at The Devon Four25 apartment complex in Raleigh.

"I love what I do," he said. "Every day, I get to use the skills I gained at Wake Tech. It's not just a job. It's a career I'm proud of."

When asked what he likes most about his job, Sena's answer is simple: "Everything. I like working with my hands. It's my first time doing that. In my country, I worked security at a hotel and as a bartender. Now, I get to work with my hands, and I love it."

Sena is also planning to continue his education at Wake Tech. His next goal is to take the Certified Pool Operator course to expand his skills in pool maintenance and safety, a course that will allow him to further advance in his career as a maintenance technician.

Sena credits Wake Tech with giving him more than technical training. It gave him confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

"Becoming a student at Wake Tech changed my life," he said. "After four years of unpredictable days driving for Uber, I now have a job where every day is a good one. That's all thanks to Wake Tech. My time at Wake Tech changed everything."

Sena has traded his permanent residency for U.S. citizenship, marking a major milestone in his life. He credits Wake Tech for being a valuable part of that journey.

"Wake Tech didn't just educate me," he said. "It gave me a new direction in life. I'm grateful for the opportunities it's opened up and proud of how far I've come."